Yes, they’ll be parades, cookouts, hot dogs and fireworks, as we celebrate July 4th this weekend. But how did this day come to be? You can relive the defining moments in America’s history at Fort Ticonderoga, just a skip and a jump over the mountain from Schroon.

This weekend you can witness the fight for liberty, when the continental army fought to hold the line for independence at the great fortress Ticonderoga.

From Fort Ti:

“Thrill at the power of artillery during cannon demonstrations and march to the beat of the Fife and Drum Corps as they perform patriotic music throughout the weekend. Admission to this special holiday living history event is included in a Fort Ticonderoga general admission ticket.”

Wilmington gets a big thumbs up as a top 20 destination for mountain bikers from National Geographic, a rare and well earned hat tip. Hand-built flow trails, and challenging slick slab climbs get a special mention at The Poor Man’s Downhill Read more in our Kids and Family Fun section.

Wilmington gets a big thumbs up as a top 20 destination for mountain bikers from National Geographic, a rare and well earned hat tip.

Wilmington boasts a main street with ride-from access to the state trail systems, the region’s only dirt jump park, the Wilmington Whiteface 100-kilometer race, and the annual Bike Fest, which now draws more people to the town than any other single event. And Whiteface Mountain Bike Park offers 2,426-foot downhill runs, the longest vertical drop in the East, and some of the gnarliest, techiest, lift-accessed trails in the country.

"Join Fort Ticonderoga on Memorial Day weekend, May 27-29, to remember the service of the armed forces of the United States on the very grounds where so many American soldiers fought and sacrificed. Discover the story of the American Army in 1776, rebuilding itself and digging in at Ticonderoga to defend liberty during living history programs throughout the weekend.

A full line-up of activities and programs offered throughout the weekend include daily tours in the fort, King’s Garden, and museum exhibition spaces; historic trades programs; ongoing soldiers’ life programs; weapons demonstrations; the Mount Defiance experience; and the Battlefield hiking trail.

On Saturday and Sunday, enjoy boat tours aboard M/V Carillon and sail the same shores of Lake Champlain that American sailors did in 1776. Join Fort Ticonderoga on Monday to remember the sacrifices of American Soldiers during a patriotic ceremony at 11:00 AM. For the full schedule, click here.

“Spend the day at Fort Ticonderoga this Memorial Day weekend,” said Beth Hill, Fort Ticonderoga President and CEO. “See Fort Ticonderoga at the beginning of the American Revolution in 1776; a hive of activity as citizens turned soldiers as they build extensive lines of defenses across the Ticonderoga peninsula and beyond to try to secure to secure this vital stronghold from the British. Throughout the weekend, visitors will witness the labor of liberty as soldiers from the Continental Army bring to life this defining story through military drill, historic trades, and fatigue duties such as carpentry.”

A 10% general admissions discount will be given to active duty military members with proof of service for this special weekend event. For more information, visit our calendar at www.fortticonderoga.org or call 518-585-2821.